Illegal logging

The government has published the report of the ‘Statutory review of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012’. The review examined the first five years of operation of Australia’s illegal logging laws. A copy of the report can be found on the Review and Consultation webpage.

Watch a video explaining why Australia has the illegal logging laws

​​Illegal logging is a major global problem. The theft, laundering and trade of illegal timber happens across the world, in all types of forests. Driven mostly by profit, illegal logging has negative impacts on forest ecosystems, communities and economies.

Illegal logging has been linked to:

organised crime

civil wars

murder​

corruption

species extinction

environmental destruction

The United Nations and Interpol estimate that illegal logging costs the global community up to $206 billion each year. This makes it the largest environmental crime by value in the world.

Australia is not immune to the trade of illegally logged timber. It is estimated that up to 10%, or $800 million, of our timber imports could come from high-risk sources every year. We have also seen isolated cases of high-value Australian timber being illegally logged.

Exporting from Australia

Businesses exporting timber products from Australia are not directly affected by Australia’s illegal logging laws. However, you may have other legal responsibilities and your products may be subject to other countries’ illegal logging laws.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.